Two Malawian journalists, Wezi Nyirongo, a sub-editor at the privately owned Capital FM and Mwai Mtumodzi a sub-editor at Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) FM have qualified to compete in the 2013 media awards organized by Gender Links slated for South Africa on April 21.

This comes after winning the awards at local level which were contested for by about 12 journalists from Malawi’s print, online and electronic media.

Nyirongo has become the best in the online and print category for her outstanding article about plight of women and fair distribution of property after divorce which was published on Capital FM’s website.

While Mtumodzi has emerged a winner in the radio category for his story on women empowerment as a factor of ending gender-based violence which was aired on MIJ FM.

Mwai Ntumodzi, sub-editor at MIJ FM

This means that the two will be among journalists from various African countries to compete for the regional awards.

MIJ FM radio will also be among African competing media organizations in South Africa after it emerged as an outstanding media institution in Malawi in promoting gender issues.

Nyirongo told Nyasa Times that she has received the news with excitement.

“I am currently working on improving my presentation skills to win the regional award,” she said.

Mtumodzi said he is looking forward to put Malawi and his radio station on a regional map by scooping the regional award in his category.

Gender Links is a Southern African non-governmental organisation founded in 2001 committed to promoting gender equality and justice in the region.